Dr. Mike Altekruse

Mike is the Mental Health Coordinator at Neenah Joint School District and has been a board member since August 2024. He was drawn to work for a nonprofit by the opportunity to make a difference with youth. For Mike, Positive Alternatives is special because it provides a safe place for youth who have experienced significant challenges.

Mike holds a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, an M.A. in Counseling from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Educational Psychology from Indiana University. He has 25 years of experience working in College Counseling Centers and has spent the past 10 years working as a Mental Health Coordinator for a school district.

As a licensed psychologist in the state of Wisconsin, Mike is trained in trauma-informed care (Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model for Educators), threat evaluation, crisis incident stress debriefing, and suicide prevention. He is also a trainer for Sources of Strength, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer).

Mike shares his life with his wife, Beth, a school counselor, and their three wonderful children. Together, they enjoy traveling, camping, movies, and trying all sorts of foods. They are on a quest to find the best pizza on the planet and are always looking for recommendations! Mike believes, "There is no better mission in life than to make a positive difference in a child's life."